The Talbot Inn

Selwood Street,
MELLS,
BA11 3PN

In coaching days, this 15th-century inn was the stop before Wells. Perhaps some passengers mistakenly alighted here in Mells, a bonus for the innkeepers of the day. It has a main bar, snug and map rooms, all open for classic pub food and Talbot Ale. Across a cobbled courtyard is the Coach House Grill Room, where chef Pravin Nayar's fish and meats are grilled over a charcoal fire and, on Sundays, whole roast chickens and suckling pigs are carved at the table. His bar snacks - including deep-fried rabbit legs, and duck hearts on toast - are clearly not ordinary. Other options include stout-braised veal cheek with buttermilk mash and caramelised king cabbage; and lightly-cured trout with leeks, lemon and fregola.